Coquette

Clarins Cleansing Milk: Super-Size Me!

I did a quick stop to Macy's in Union Square on Black Friday and stocked up on some of my essentials I needed at the Clarins counter. I was out of my cleanser and wanted to try something different for dry skin. The beauty associate recommended I try the Clarins Cleansing Milk with Alpine Herbs. I got the super-size bottle (13.9 oz) which comes with a pump for only $46. There was also a great deal going on because if you purchased two skincare times you also were able to choose a complementary skincare duo. I chose the Extra-Firming set (my favs) that was a night cream and body cream.

I have been using the cleansing milk for a few nights now and I love how it doesn't strip my skin. It still cleans my face from all the makeup but it leaves my skin milky soft. I'm always happy with Clarins but I'm extra happy with this purchase because it works well with all of the Extra-firming creams that I use. There were a number of products in this handy super-size that were readily available on a shelf near the counter. It was a great deal and I'm glad I won't be running out of this for a while now.

Here are the skincare duo gifts you can choose from:

1. Total Lift: Super Restorative Night Cream (1 oz) and Body Lift Cellulite Control (3.4 oz)
2. Firm Advantages: Extra Firming Night Cream (1 oz) and Extra-Firming Body Lotion (3.4 oz)
3. Skin Smoothies: Multi-Active Night Cream (1 oz) and Tonic Body Oil (1 oz)
4. Radiance Duo: HydraQuench Cream Mask (1 oz) and Smoothing Body Scrub (3.5 oz)

Holiday Beauty: Clarins Extra-Firming Luxury Collection

Clarins, one of my favorite brands has launched a host of fabulous holiday beauty sets. One set that I love is the Clarins Extra-Firming Luxury Collection ($145 at Clarins). The set includes four anti-aging products that help lift, tighten and moisturize your skin as we head on into winter.

The Extra-Firming products are my go-to skincare proudcts, especially when the weather gets colder in the fall and winter. I love that the texture is light on my skin and still keeps my skin hydrated and not dry.

The products are:

• Extra-Firming Day Wrinkle Lifting Cream (Full-Size)


• Extra-Firming Eye Lift Perfecting Serum (Full-Size)


• Extra-Firming Night Rejuvenating Cream (Travel-Size)


• Extra-Firming Neck Anti-Wrinkle Rejuvenating Cream (Travel-Size)

All the above products come in a gold train case that is just gorgeous! It's lined in soft, red satin and is perfect to hold your makeup, jewelry or anything else you want!





Purchase the Clarins Extra-Firming Luxury Collection at clarinsusa.com

Clinique Smart: Custom Repair Serum + Eye Treatment

Serums are skincare essentials for me and I love trying new ones out. Clinique has outdone themselves with the Clinique Smart Custom Serum ($59.50 at Clinique.com). I have added this serum to my daily skincare routine for the past few weeks and have really noticed results. In fact, another woman next to me in line at a department store told me my skin looked so great, she had to know what products I was using. I really have to attribute it to this serum! The smart serum knows what to repair for your own skin from diminishing lines and wrinkles, firming and lifting skin, reducing dark spots and evening skin tone and improving radiance and texture.

Again how you apply serum is just as important as wearing it. You can watch this video below from Clinique on the steps for applying and gentle massage. Trust me, it only takes a few minutes to do this.

You can also get more info as well as see photos and more video on the Clinique Smart Serum page.

I'm using the smart serum everyday along with the new Clinique Smart Custom Eye Treatment ($49 at Clinique.com). This new smart system is just fantastic. The eye treatment targets and repairs areas as needed. For me, it's brightened up my eye are and kept it moisturized so it feels plump. I use this in the day as well under my makeup and it doesn't feel sticky at all. I like that it's really protecting the delicate skin around my eyes.

Clarins Shaping Facial Lift: New and Improved Total V Contouring Serum Works!

This fall, Clarins debuted a newly-formulated Shaping Facial Lift: Total V Contouring Serum ($80 at Clarins). I've been using this product consistently since it came out in the U.S. about three years ago. (See my interview with the Wall Street Journal about the serum from 2012.) Now face shaping serums are all over other luxury brands, but I will always stay loyal to Clarins because I trust their plant-based ingredients which has worked well for me. The serum contains three major plant extracts: Guarana Extract for promoting a slimmer looking face, Zerumbet Ginger Extract for reducing puffiness and Kaki Extract to help reduce skin slackening. Three years ago, you never really saw me wearing my hair up in a ponytail in public. I always felt like my face was too big and round. Nowadays, I do because have a more defined face with a distinct jawline and defined cheeks. It's been my one beauty product I never go without!

This serum really works! It's the #1 facial shaping serum in Asia. (Us Asians have more fat tissues in our face!) Each night when I apply it, I make sure I do the "Manual Auto-Lifting Method" (video and images below) that Clarins promotes. It only takes a few minutes and really puts me in a relaxed state before bed. If you want a more defined face, jawline and cheeks, try this serum. It's a wonderful addition to your beauty routine that really shows you results!

(Source: Clarins)

Buy the Shaping Facial Lift Total V Contouring Serum at Clarins.com. Just until 11/12, get a 6pc gift (including beautiful pouch) and 5 free samples, with all orders over $50 - code SINGLESDAY15.

October Favorites: Rimmel, Clinque, Chanel + More

I'm back after a much needed vacation to Hawaii. I also had some dental surgery last week that left me in very uncomfortable sorts. I'm happy to say all is ok now so I'm back to updating Coquette. Thanks for bearing with me!

1. Rimmel 1000 Kisses Stay On Lip Contouring Pencil in 007 Rose Quartz ($3.99 at Ulta)
I have amassed quite a few lip liners recently but I love this Rimmel pencil for it's perfect pinky nude color. For days I don't want to wear much, and for most of my trip in Hawaii, all I would do is line and fill in my lips with this color and then apply either lip balm or a gloss over it. The color is just perfect for me.

2. Clinique Long Last Glosswear in Honey Bunch ($16.50 at Nordstrom)
I love this gloss on top of the Rimmel liner. It's a great light coral color and I love the shine when I have it on. It's not gloopy, just beautiful for natural looking, pretty lips that can brighten your complexion.

3. Chanel Utra Fine Eyeliner Brush #13 ($28 at Chanel.com)
I've rediscovered this Chanel eyeliner brush recently that I have had for over a year now. I am loving the precision of the brush but also that I can get a light line going that's really precise. I wet the brush first and then dab it into the eyeshadow.

4. Acure Argan Oil ($10.79 on Amazon)
My skin is getting temperamental with the onset of the colder weather. I have found it to be getting more dry these days. At night, I've been applying Acure's Argan Oil (after serum) and it's been doing wonders for my skin. I love this brand Acure for it's natural products and recently just bought their shampoo/conditioner. (More on that soon!)

5. Sick in the Head by Judd Apatow ($16.66 on Amazon)
I picked this book up recently because I saw the list of comedians that director/writer Judd Apatow interviews. Now that I'm deep in the book, I can't stop laughing. I never knew that Apatow started these interviews as a 15 year old high school kid who also washed dishes as at a Long Island comedy club. I grew up with a love of comedy and the insight, wisdom and humor in this book make it a really fun read.